Release World Youth Day Agreement for scrutiny

"The failure to bed down a formal agreement 26 days out from the event means that Treasurer Michael Costa is effectively creating an open ended tab for the Catholic Church," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Treasurer Costa should address growing public disquiet about the massive injection of public money into World Youth Day by releasing this agreement so the community can judge whether the government's proposed contribution is acceptable.

"With 26 days to go until World Youth Day and no formal agreement as to costs, the Catholic Church now has the government over a barrel.

"It appears the government will pay anything to avoid a scandal erupting, as it did yesterday by stepping in to cover the $150,000 bond to the City of Sydney to secure the use of Hyde Park.

"The Treasurer is being financially irresponsible by keeping a World Youth Day slush fund which can be continually dipped into to smooth over dramas, with the big winners currently being the Church and the Australian Jockey Club.

"The Treasurer has a tight handle on the purse strings when it comes to public sector wages, but not when it comes to World Youth Day.
 
"The state contribution to the event is currently estimated at $129 million, but what the final bill will be is anyone's guess.

"Last month in Parliament the government blocked a Greens motion calling for the World Youth Day Co-ordination Authority to release documents setting out the real costs of the event to taxpayers.  

"As World Youth Day draws nearer, the public must really be beginning to wonder what is motivating the government's largess to the Catholic Church," Ms Rhiannon said.

For more information: Lee Rhiannon 9230 3551, 0427 861 568

[via Lee Rhiannon MLC Media Release Thursday 19 June 2008 link]